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With the album Of All These Things, listener’s hearts will burst with emotion when hitting play. Eric Anders and Mark O’Bitz combined make magic with music. The overall sound of the album varies from light acoustic to heavy emotional tracks. The themes within their music range from journeys, soul searching, and love. Musical groups that are similar to their sound include the Cary Brothers,Conor Oberst, and Iron & Wine. Both of their voices complement one another throughout OfAll These Things and carry more than just a duo dynamic on an album. Their voices connect and make powerful points to those who hear their music.

The vocal talents of Thomas Monroe will mesmerize you within this album Letters To Brie with a combination of anthems, dreams, and heartbreak. When listening to Monroe’s voice, you can draw similarities between John Darnielle of The Mountain Goats, Conor Oberst of The Bright Eyes, and subtle hints of Nate Ruess from fun. To hear a woman vocalist sing about heartbreak is one thing and it can be raw, angsty, and fill you up with emotion. On the other hand, a man’s point of view is refreshing and gives a different perspective. The narrative qualities combined with real conversations and a twist of a love song all make everything work on Letters To Brie.The combination of minimal musical instruments with the right balance of rock guitar and percussion work well with the impeccable sound mastering quality to make it more than just a broken heart waiting to be mended.

When taking a listen to In Your Room, one can hear all the beautiful melodies that this Italian musician makes sure to highlight in his music. From the various instruments that make their appearance on the album and the raw and real sound, Sebastian speaks to those who listen with an open mind and open heart. Comparing his vocals to the likes of Conor Oberst, Devendra Banhart, and Turin Brakes, Sebastian carries his strong musicianship with a powerful force. In regards to his writing approach, Sebastian approaches the song writing process as a flow of thoughts leaving the music he creates to be something so much more than just lyrics on a page. Adding no extra editing or tuning makes In Your Room something even more special for listeners wanting to hear original and fresh music. With a different approach than most musicians, listeners should be eagerly awaiting his newest creation.

In a Rolling Stone exclusive, writer Andy Greene outlines the process of Bob Seger’s decision to tour this Spring. Last year his staff quietly scheduled 40-50 concerts which Seger declined initially. But, he turned the page on the book of no and randomly alerted his staff this month that he actually wants to tour. Seger put his staff in a large predicament. It takes months to schedule a U.S. wide tour. To say they have scrambled to get everything together is an understatement.

But it has been announced that Seger will embark on a two-and-a-half month tour beginning in March, so I guess they did a good job. A few dates will be announced next week as the staff continues to iron out the tour details.

The tour will be classic Seger mixed with some new tracks off of his upcoming 17th studio album set to be released sometime this summer, according to Seger.

I saw Bob Seger back in 2006/2007 when he toured last. He rocked MSG to the tune of a packed crowd. I expect the very same this time around.

Bright Eyes has released several albums displaying their indie/folk style and lead singer/songwriter Conor Oberst’s melancholic and fluid lyric. In an exclusive NPR first listen, writer Robin Hilton boldly declares that their new album The People’s Key is the zenith of Bright Eyes’ success. Keep in mind Bright Eyes released I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning which is widely regarded as one of the best album’s of the last decade.

In the review, Hilton describes Oberst as, “older and wiser and more sure of himself. His voice is stronger, the sonic palette is richer and the poetry is more compelling.”

And on first listen I actually agree. Oberst and Bright Eyes explore a wide spectrum of music on this album. They move from straight folk into odd experimental tracks. There is no better example than the first track “Firewall” (below) which features Oberst’s friend Denny Brewer, who is the guitarist for the band Refried Icecream, talk about his esoteric views on existence. Esoteric because I don’t want to call them utterly nonsensical and chimerical. The song that follows continues in that vein both musically and lyrically. The album is a huge success and is available for listening on NPR through the link provided. The album comes out for purchase on Feb. 15.

I have posted so many pictures of this band on the blog I am running out of picture choices.

The Mountain Goats are coming back to the Eastern United States to promote their new album All Eternals Deck, which is set to be released March 29. How do I respond to this news?

YES!!!!!!!!!

That is somewhat suitable. They are coming to Ithaca on April 2 and I am going to see them for my second time. I just bought tickets. The Mountain Goats are one of my favorite bands and John Darnielle is a lyrical deity.

The new album will most likely be fantastic. I will lean on the first song leaked from the album entitled “Damn Those Vampires.” Take a listen.